2010 Toyota Prius I Equipment Level: Not Available Any Time Soon

Remember that $21,000, very basic 2010 Prius? Toyota has now confirmed it has neither current plans nor a schedule for selling the lowest-level model of the 2010 Toyota Prius, known as the Prius I, to consumers.

In fact, it doesn't even have a timeframe for "continued, regular fleet sales of Prius I" beyond a small pilot program it ran in September.

The then-unspecified Prius I model was rumored to retail at $21,000, giving Toyota a direct competitor for the 2010 Honda Insight, priced at $20,470. The 2010 Insight is Honda's first dedicated hybrid since the 2006 demise of the original two-seat 1999 Insight.

Ordered: 177 Prius I models

In response to a question from reader Bill Cooley in Kalamazoo, Michigan, AllAboutPrius.com contacted Toyota. Spokesman Greg Thome told us the company did a single pilot program for the Prius I this fall, resulting in 177 units sold solely to fleets across the U.S.

Those fleets "should start seeing their supply arriving toward the end of the year," according to Thome. He noted that the pilot program "was conducted via our fleet department and didn't include any retail sales."

The Prius I, Thome reminds us, was designed to meet the needs of "certain consumers, as well as businesses, municipalities, utilities, local government agencies, and other fleet operators seeking a fuel-efficient vehicle with an environmental focus."

While he couldn't offer much useful information on schedule or retail sales, Thome did provide a list of all the equipment deleted to bring the price down. As compared to the Prius II, the Prius I does not have the following features:

Cruise control

Touch Tracer Display

Smart Key

EV mode

Rear wiper

Tonneau cover

Heated side mirrors

Satellite radio antenna and satellite capable radio

Rear armrest with 2 cupholders

2 speakers

Rear heater duct

Passenger seatback pocket

Foldable rear headrests

Underbody spoilers/spats

Don't hold your breath

It's undeniably a grimmer car, but the Prius I would surely still provide that magic mileage that caused the EPA to rate the fuel efficiency of the 2010 Toyota Prius at a combined 50 miles per gallon.

Just don't hold your breath for retail sales. If you really want one, write Toyota. Otherwise, canvass your local dealers for a Prius II with no added options.